Water is a basic human need that sustains our survival. It is essential to our daily lives for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. However, with the increasing population, modern industrialization, and other human activities, the quality of water has declined.
Polluted water can cause serious health problems to humans, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and other waterborne diseases. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for drinking water quality to ensure safe, clean, and continuous access to water.
One of the effective ways to improve the quality of water is through filtration. Filtration is a process where contaminants in water are removed to make it safe for consumption. A popular filter media is activated carbon, which has adsorption properties that can remove dissolved impurities, odors, and some contaminants.
However, activated carbon alone may not be enough to filter water completely. That is why scientists have introduced silver impregnated carbon filter, which is a game-changer in water treatment.
What is Silver Impregnated Carbon Filter?
Silver impregnated carbon filter is a filter media that combines two types of filtration technologies: activated carbon and silver nanoparticles. The activated carbon removes impurities while the silver nanoparticles destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
The silver nanoparticles are embedded into the activated carbon pores during the impregnation process. The silver ions released impose antimicrobial action by binding to the cellular respiration and disturbing the cell membrane of microorganisms.
The silver impregnated carbon filter has several advantages over conventional activated carbon filters. It eliminates a broad range of microorganisms, reduces foul odors, and enhances taste. It is also effective against bacterial and viral pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and a few viruses that cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Furthermore, it requires minimal maintenance, and the silver ions can last up to 12 months, depending on the usage.
Applications of Silver Impregnated Carbon Filter
The silver impregnated carbon filter is highly beneficial in various water treatment applications. Some of the applications include:
1. Drinking Water Treatment
The silver impregnated carbon filter is often used in water treatment plants to remove impurities and microorganisms from the water. It can eliminate chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and other pollutants while also destroying bacteria and viruses.
2. Household Water Filtration
The silver impregnated carbon filter is also used in household water filters. It is excellent for removing residual chlorine, bad taste, and odors from the water while ensuring that the water is safe and healthy to drink.
3. Aquarium Filtration
Aquariums need a specific type of water to maintain the aquatic life's health and well-being. The silver impregnated carbon filter is an ideal filter media for aquariums since it eliminates harmful elements in the water and maintains the proper chemical balance.
4. Industrial Water Treatment
Industrial water treatment requires complex filtration systems to treat water. The silver impregnated carbon filters can be used for industries that need to treat water for discharge into the environment or for reuse.
Conclusion
The silver impregnated carbon filter is an innovation in water treatment, making it an excellent alternative for traditional activated carbon filters. Its combination technology of activated carbon and silver nanoparticles is highly effective against harmful microorganisms, producing safe and healthy water for daily consumption.
It is also a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative as it requires minimal maintenance and has a long lifespan. Given its benefits and applications, silver impregnated carbon filters are becoming increasingly popular in various water treatment industries and households.
As individuals, we have to ensure that we have access to safe and clean water. Thus, investing in silver impregnated carbon filters is a step in the right direction towards achieving this.